HC Deb 23 January 1918 vol 101 cc985-6
62. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the high price now ruling for agricultural land, and, in particular, to the sale of a Cheshire estate of 4,000 acres for £170,000; and will he reconsider his opinion that there is nothing to be got out of a tax on land values?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My attention had not previously been drawn to the particular case referred to; but I see no reason for departing from the opinion I previously expressed on the subject of obtaining revenue from land values.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that since the passage of the Corn Production Bill the price of agricultural land has been going up by leaps and bounds, because you are giving advantages to the privileged classes and do not tax them?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is making a statement.